Definition of significant figures- all the digits know with certianty plus one uncertian digit. EX. 1. in 30 there is a chance that it is either 1 more or 1 less than what is shown; therefore, the zero is insignificant . EX. 2. however, in 30.0090 there is a chance that there is .0001 less or more than what is shown; therefore the first three zero's are significant but the last is not. Extra infornmation
all numbers other than zero are always significant.
zero's appearing between significant figures are also significant.
*zero's appearing in front of significant figures are not significant.*
zero's at the end of a number and to the right of the decimal point are significant.
if a zero to the left of a decimal is a place holder it is insignificant.
a decimal after a zero indicates that that zero is significant.
some examples
EX. 1. 28.6 these are all significant due to the first rule.
EX. 2. 3440. these are all significant due to the last rule.
EX. 3. 910 only 91 are significant due to the forth rule.
EX. 4. 0.046 04 there are four significant figures due to the third rule.
EX. 5. 0.006 700 0 there are five significant figures due to the third rule.
If you need further help on this matter consult with either Mr. Smith or your Text book on pages 46-47.
EX. 1. in 30 there is a chance that it is either 1 more or 1 less than what is shown; therefore, the zero is insignificant .
EX. 2. however, in 30.0090 there is a chance that there is .0001 less or more than what is shown; therefore the first three zero's are significant but the last is not.
Extra infornmation
some examples
EX. 1. 28.6 these are all significant due to the first rule.
EX. 2. 3440. these are all significant due to the last rule.
EX. 3. 910 only 91 are significant due to the forth rule.
EX. 4. 0.046 04 there are four significant figures due to the third rule.
EX. 5. 0.006 700 0 there are five significant figures due to the third rule.
If you need further help on this matter consult with either Mr. Smith or your Text book on pages 46-47.
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